From the Viva Cryo archive. Originally published 2022-03-29. This article preserves the original historical text. For current treatment information, book a consultation.
Collagen is one of the most widely discussed beauty topics to date. Not only is collagen known for its strength and elasticity, it is responsible for supporting skin, tissue, bones, muscles, blood vessels, cartilage and more. There are many types of collagen but the main element to understand is that collagen acts as a glue for structural formation. Therefore, Collagen is imperative to maintain your body’s health, firmness, elasticity and overall strength.
Unfortunately, as we age, collagen will naturally begin to decrease, in some cases, as early as 25 years old. This will be visible in the formation of wrinkles, loose, crepey skin, reduced suppleness, thinning or falling skin and loss of elasticity. Moreover, there’s many other reasons for collagen loss due to overexposure to UV rays, smoking, consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, pregnancy and lack of adequate sleep.
What to do? Build some new collagen!
Eat Proline Rich Foods
Proline is a major amino acid in collagen, which plays a huge role in the strength of collagen molecules. Examples of proline rich foods are red meat, egg whites, mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, salmon and gelatin.
Consume Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the best foods to consume if you’re looking to build collagen. It contains Proline but it also contains Glycine, which is essential to supporting lean muscle mass, repair of joints and protecting cartilage.
Consider Collagen Supplements
Your body will more easily absorb collagen once it is broken down into collagen peptides. These peptides will internally increase collagen production by stimulating skin cells.
Limit Sun Exposure
Overexposure to the sun will create free radicals, which steal electrons from healthy molecules. As this process happens, they cause serious skin oxidation, collagen damage and more. Make sure to use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
Drink More Water!
Drinking water is your best friend when it comes to your skin. Water will hydrate and maintain your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Need I say more?
More, More, More Antioxidants
Foods that are rich in antioxidants will actually help collagen synthesis and are apt to neutralize free radicals that cause skin oxidation which leads to premature aging, sagging or thinning skin. It’s best to aim for foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, broccoli and tomatoes.
Get Your Zzzz’s
When you’re asleep, collagen fibers will repair themselves if/when you’ve strained your skin from things such as sun exposure or alcohol consumption. So, if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re losing valuable skin repair time. Additionally, the hormone cortisol increases when you don’t get enough sleep, which will also continue to break down collagen.
Limit Alcohol, Sugar & Refined Carbs
These carbohydrates will elevate your blood sugar levels, quickly metabolizing into sugar which creates AGE’s (Advanced Glycation End Products). This damages collagen fiber bonds leading to the formation of wrinkles, sagging and thinning skin. If at all possible, stay away!
Use Topical Solutions
I always opt for anything with Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin C fights free radicals and Vitamin E will protect and stabilize your cells. They work as an amazing combination together.
I also opt for Retinol but use sparingly with caution, as it may cause skin sensitivity and redness.
Stop Smoking
Nicotine, among other chemicals, typically will make blood vessels narrow, reducing oxygen flow and nutrients to skin cells. This alone will cause skin to age faster as well as the constant, repetitive facial expressions that contract over the years due to smoking.
Non-Invasive Facials
I thoroughly believe in the benefits of Infrared Light Therapy as well as Cryo facials. Both methods work to produce and increase collagen and elastin as well as correct damage from free radicals.
Physical Activity
Physical activity will increase oxygen and blood flow to your skin and if you sweat, this will help the body cleanse itself of toxins, which is amazing for your skin.
If you can adopt some or all of these strategies, you’ll be well along your way to healthier skin!